Depends on what state you live in.
Most states though rate embezzelment much more severely than someone from the outside stealing.
What has happened over the past few months, please update.
Advice for your friend.
He/She should hire an atty and attempt to get their record cleard (expunged). Has your friend had a clean record ever since? Done good for the community?
All these mitigating factors will decide.
Please advise.
Serious case
Contact a lawyer.
Are you still out of the country? If so, you may have to stay there for a long time.
Sorry...hope things work out for you...would like you to update the situation for us all please.